To Cope with Fatigue, Give In

To Cope with Fatigue, Give In (1:10)

Fatigue is a fact of life if you have a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Dr. Mehmet Oz shares some simple and surprising ways to prevent exhaustion and manage your symptoms.

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Hi, I'm Dr. Oz. If you have a chronic condition like Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Multiple Sclerosis, fatigue is a symptom that's right up there with pain and inflammation. While pain can be relieved with medication and other treatments, fatigue is trickier to manage. Some people try to push through their exhaustion, but this can make other symptoms worse, and lead to even greater fatigue.

Here is a surprising way to cope. Give into it. Fatigue is your body's way of letting you know you need rest, and giving into fatigue, doesn't mean you're giving into the disease. Try these tips to get the R&R that you need. When fatigue flairs up, get 10-12 hours of rest each day, that includes night time sleep, brief lie downs when you're awake but you're resting, and daytime naps.

Learn to say, no thanks. You don't have to be on every committee, and attend every social function. Explain that you have a particular condition, and that part of managing it means not over exhausting yourself. I'm Dr. Oz. For more ways to feel your best, watch all of our smart tips.

About Chronic Pain

Many Americans suffer from some form of chronic pain, whether it's back pain, knee pain or a condition like arthritis. Get expert tips to prevent and relieve chronic pain, including the benefits of exercise and natural remedies.